Feb 25, 2019
Gary Wallis is perhaps best known as the percussionist for Pink
Floyd in the post-Waters era for both their live and recorded
performances.He has worked with a wide range of artists and bands,
including Nik Kershaw, Pink Floyd, 10cc, Il Divo, Westlife, Girls
Aloud, Atomic Kitten, Paul Carrack, Dusty Springfield, Bonnie
Tyler, Mike Rutherford, Mike + The Mechanics, Tom Jones, Jean
Michel Jarre, Helene Fischer and Schiller.
As a young drummer/percussionist, Gary Wallis worked with a number
of prominent British bands. From 1982 to 1984, he was the drummer
for The Truth, working alongside Chris Skornia (Hammond
organ/keyboards); Dennis Greaves (guitar); Mick Lister (guitar) and
Brian Bethell (bass).
After leaving The Truth, Wallis went on to perform as a
percussionist with Style Council (1984–1985). He was invited by
David Bowie to perform as a percussionist at the Live Aid concert
at JFK Stadium, Philadelphia, 13 July 1985, with Robert Palmer and
Power Station, as well as Duran Duran.
In the mid to late eighties, Wallis was drummer for The Krew, the
backing band for Nik Kershaw (Riddle and Radio Musicola tours) and
Chris Farlowe (1988). It was at a Kershaw concert where his
energetic playing and elaborate percussion set-up drew the
attention of key Pink Floyd musicians to Gary Wallis.